Volunteer: Debbie Smith
Program Site: Rabat, Morocco
Year: 2008
Debbie Smith has spent her entire career in the non-profit field, working specifically with family violence and at-risk individuals. Though she had never flown abroad, she had the goal of visiting Morocco on her own for 20 years. In December of 2008 she did just that by volunteering with Cross-Cultural Solutions.
Debbie considered her volunteer placement, working with families of young patients in a children’s hospital, an extension of what she does at home. Her life and career experience allowed her to take the reins when she was the only volunteer available to work over the holidays, which actually put her in her comfort zone. Even with a language barrier, Debbie successfully communicated with Moroccan families, thanks to years of training in body language and facial expression that helped create an instant connection. She knew how to carefully invite herself into an intimate situation without being threatening, which in turn created a trust among the family members.
Debbie’s professional skills from home allowed her to maximize her talents in helping families in need, and she describes her CCS experience as validating and rewarding.
